He has scored in every game he has played in for the club, helping them win matches in the Garforth Junior Football League and cup games.

He thumped seven past one opposition in a single game and his coach even has to put the energetic youngster in defence to give his team mates a chance of scoring.

Sonny, of Flanshaw Lane, said: “I just love playing football. I seemed to take to it naturally and got better and better.

“I like scoring goals because it gets you more attention from people watching. I enjoy running and football keeps me fit.

“I would love to play football for a living.”

The Alverthorpe St Paul’s School pupil is a Manchester United fan and says United and Dutch international Robin Van Persie is one of his idols.

And football skills seem to run in Sonny’s family as his brother Leo, four, and 18-month-old sister Betsy are also showing promise.

Their dad David Kilkenny used to play for Ossett Town FC and the England University team.

He is now a PE teacher in Leeds and says he has been impressed by his son’s early development.

Mr Kilkenny, 38, said: “He was aware of Messi’s record and wanted to beat it. He has worked incredibly hard and we are really proud of him.

“We just want him to continue enjoying playing football and will support him. He works really hard on the pitch and in training. He is a lot better than I was at that age. I work with a lot of young footballers and I have noticed that he is technically better than most children his age and has good control.”

The careers of Lionel vs Sonny

AGE: Messi - 26 vs Kilkenny - 7

Height: 5ft 7 vs 3ft 11

Club: Barcelona vs Wrenthorpe

National: Argentina vs England

Wage: Paid £10.6m vs parents having to pay £105 in subs

TOTAL Earnings: £24.9m a year vs pocket money for sweets

AWARDS: Four-times World Player of the Year vs Player of the Year 2012, Players’ player 2013 and Golden boot 2012, 2013